Half a century after its release, Jaws continues to captivate audiences, and Monaco celebrated this milestone with a special preview screening at the Oceanographic Museum…
The documentary Jaws: The Secret of a Cult Film was shown yesterday, delighting film fans who gathered to rediscover Steven Spielberg’s 1975 masterpiece that forever changed the thriller genre and public perceptions of sharks.
Audience members shared their vivid memories of watching Jaws for the first time, many describing it as their earliest horror film experience. “I was too scared,” said one viewer, while another recalled, “French television aired it just before summer holidays, so going to the sea afterwards was terrifying.” Beyond the fear, attendees praised the film’s iconic soundtrack, its strong lead cast, and the nostalgic 1970s cinematography that defines its enduring charm.
The new documentary by Laurent Bouzerot explores behind-the-scenes stories from the turbulent production, including mechanical shark malfunctions and severe weather that challenged Spielberg’s crew. It examines how the film transformed the great white shark into a cultural symbol of terror while sparking public fascination and marine research interest. As Wendy Benchley, wife of Jaws author Peter Benchley, reflected, the movie may have inspired fear but also ignited a wave of curiosity about ocean life.
Jaws: The Secret of a Cult Film will be released on Disney Plus on 11 July. For Monaco’s cinema enthusiasts, this Oceanographic Museum screening was not only a tribute to Spielberg’s blockbuster but also a reminder of the film’s lasting impact, blending fear, fascination, and the timeless thrill of summer on the silver screen.
Photo by Alex Steyn
